There’s nothing quite like a dish that hugs your soul, and this cheesy hashbrown potato casserole does just that. It’s incredibly comforting, with tender potatoes and gooey cheese in every single bite. This casserole truly hits the spot.
I often find myself making this on busy weeknights or for special brunches. My family absolutely adores it, and it always disappears fast. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option too.
Why I Love This Recipe
Oh, let me count the ways I adore this Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole! It’s truly a kitchen superstar. First, it’s so ridiculously easy; I mean, minimal fuss and maximum flavor, right? It saves me on those crazy weeknights. Plus, everyone, from picky eaters to dinner guests, devours it. It’s pure comfort food magic, reminding me of cozy moments. This dish is simply a win-win!
Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole Ingredients
Creating this cheesy hashbrown potato casserole doesn’t require a long list of fancy items. In fact, most of these simple ingredients are probably already in your pantry or fridge!
- Frozen Hash Browns, thawed: These are our starchy stars! Whether you choose cubed or shredded types, they form the delicious base of this casserole.
- Sour Cream: This adds a wonderful creaminess and a subtle tang. It helps bind everything together.
- Small Onion, finely chopped: A little onion provides a savory depth of flavor. It really wakes up the dish.
- Can of Cream of Chicken Soup: This is a secret weapon for rich, savory flavor and a smooth consistency. It’s pure comfort in a can!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Ah, cheddar! It melts beautifully, making our casserole extra gooey and, well, cheesy! We’ll divide it for layers of goodness.
- Butter, melted: Butter brings richness and helps achieve that golden-brown crust. Everything is better with butter!
- Salt & Black Pepper: These essential seasonings really bring all the flavors to life. Don’t forget them!
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t sweat it if you’re missing an item or want to change things up a bit. This recipe is super flexible!
- For the soup: If you don’t have cream of chicken, cream of mushroom or celery soup works just as well.
- Cheese choices: Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend for a slightly different cheesy kick.
- Add-ins: Cooked bacon bits or diced ham are fantastic additions. They make the dish heartier.
- Onion alternative: If you’re not an onion fan, a teaspoon of onion powder can give you flavor without the crunch.
- Spice it up: A pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice warmth if you like a little kick.
Remember, the exact quantities for these ingredients are all waiting for you in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. Happy cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole
Making this cheesy hashbrown potato casserole is a breeze, truly! This recipe is straightforward. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro. Just follow along with these simple steps.
Preparing Your Dish
First, preheat your oven. Get it to 350°F. Then, grab a 13×9 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it. This keeps the casserole from sticking. Set that pan aside for now.
Mixing the Magic
Next, find a really big bowl. Toss in your thawed hash browns. Add the sour cream to that. Then, throw in the finely chopped onion. Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup. Now, add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t forget the melted butter! Finish with salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix. Taste it for seasoning. Add more if you like!
Baking to Perfection
Pour your potato mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Make sure it’s nice and flat. Bake this uncovered. It needs about 45 minutes. You’ll see it bubble. It should look golden brown. This is your delicious hashbrown bake, cooking up!
The Cheesy Finish
After 45 minutes, pull the casserole out. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Put it back in the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes. The cheese will melt. It will turn golden and bubbly. Your cheesy hashbrown potato casserole is ready!
How to Store Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole
Once your irresistible cheesy hashbrown potato casserole has cooled down, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly. Simply transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator. This casserole is good for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm in the oven until heated through. Your homemade comfort food will taste amazing!
Tips for Success
- Always thaw hash browns completely. This prevents a watery casserole.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients. Just combine everything gently.
- For crispier potatoes, pat hash browns dry after thawing.
- Don’t skip the butter; it adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. A quick taste test is key.
- Use quality cheese. It truly makes a difference in meltiness.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Making this Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole is pretty simple. You won’t need too many specialized gadgets!
- Large Mixing Bowl: Any big bowl works great for combining.
- 13×9 Inch Baking Pan: A glass or ceramic one is perfect.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredients.
- Spatula or Large Spoon: For mixing and spreading the potatoes.
- Oven Mitts: To safely handle hot dishes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cheesy hashbrown potato casserole with scrambled eggs for breakfast.
- It’s a perfect side for a juicy roasted chicken.
- Elevate brunch by adding crispy bacon on the side.
- A fresh green salad cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Pair with hot coffee or a mimosa for a delightful morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
What kind of hash browns are best for this Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole?
Both shredded and cubed frozen hash browns work beautifully in this Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole. I usually use what I have on hand. Just make sure they are fully thawed before mixing. This helps achieve a perfectly tender texture.
Can I add meat to this Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole?
Yes, you certainly can! Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even browned sausage are wonderful additions. Mixing them in with the potatoes will make this an even heartier meal. It’s a great way to use up leftovers too!
How do I get a crispy topping on my Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole?
For an extra crispy topping, try crushing some cornflakes or potato chips. Mix them with a little melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. This creates a delightful crunch on your Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole.
Print
Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make cheesy hashbrown potato casserole, perfect for a crowd or a family meal. This dish combines thawed hash browns with sour cream, onion, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) Frozen Hash Browns, thawed (cubed or shredded)
- 2 cups Sour Cream
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 can Cream Of Chicken Soup
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9 pan; set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the potatoes, sour cream, onion, cream soup, 1 ½ cups cheese, butter, salt and pepper.
- Mix well and taste for additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Spread into prepared pan and bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with remaining ½ cup of cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- This casserole is a great side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon bits or diced ham to the mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, you can crush some cornflakes or potato chips and sprinkle them over the top before the final bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
